Managers post Dundee United

Link to audio of both Stevie Crawford and Robbie Neilson’s post match comments.

Naturally disappointed to lose to Dundee United, Stevie Crawford said that he would not be critical of his players for losing the game because they had taken fifteen points from the last eighteen available.

”It has been great and we will look for a response on Friday night against Ayr United. We came up against a good Dundee United team tonight and I didn`t think there was much in the game up until the goal.

”They did look dangerous on the counterattack up until half time but we weathered that storm and I thought we came out and with a little bit of quality in the final third we could have created a few chances in the second half. The run has come to an end, we will dust ourselves down and it was not through a lack of effort tonight that the boys were beaten.”

Was it just the final ball that was missing because there was no lack of effort?

”There was a spell after Dundee United who have players who can hit you on the counterattack, when we were trying to get ourselves into the game. We caused our own problems a little by looking vulnerable at the back.

”We mentioned that at half time but in the second half a few balks went across the face of goal and on another night you get someone on the end of them. We are disappointed but I can`t be critical of the boys because for the last six games they have been terrific.”

Was it a poor goal to lose, could Peter Pawlett have been closed down?

”He got the break of the vall. The one thing having worked with Peter, I know that he has lightning pace. People don`t realise how quick he is and I think he caught us by surprise. He took the ball early and managed to put one last Ryan (Scully). Fair play to Peter for the finish.”

You are still right in there with the mix for a play off place?

”It was important for me tonight that at half time to see the response we got because after the goal United got a lift and I think it showed a bit of resilience that we came out in the second half and took the game to them. There were more positives for us watching the game back. We will obviously play it back tonight and tomorrow. On another night we might have managed to nick a goal at the other end.”

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